PVH Corp.-owned Tommy Hilfiger is setting its sights on the future of fashion and supporting young professionals who are committed to changing the industry for the better.
Following PVH Corp.’s partnership with Fordham University—in which it contributed $1 million to establish a leading academic hub for the study of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability—Tommy Hilfiger announced six finalists for the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge, a global program it started in 2018 to support entrepreneurs developing positive solutions for the fashion industry.
“We are committed to championing bright, innovative solutions to some of our industry’s big challenges,” Tommy Hilfiger said in a statement. “Their shared optimism and commitment to a positive future should inspire us all in the impact we can make together.”
Finalists include startup businesses solving problems in every area of the fashion industry, from healthcare to sustainability. Among the list is Stony Creek Colors, the Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based natural dye company that provides natural indigo for Cone Denim.
Other finalists include: Apon Wellbeing, a Bangladesh-based scaleup that offers discounted goods to garment workers and opportunities for health services; A Beautiful Mess, a Dutch company that helps refugees find social and economic independence by creating sustainable apparel products; Lab141, a U.S.-based startup that uses 3D printing to create small batches of made-to-fit clothing; Sudara, an Indian pajama scaleup that teaches professional and sewing skills to women; and Constant & Zoe, a French scaleup that creates functional and fashionable clothing for individuals with disabilities.
The six finalists, narrowed down from more than 420 over the course of four months, will be invited to the Tommy Hilfiger’s Campus of the Future in Amsterdam on Feb. 13. There, they will pitch their ideas to a board of prestigious jurors, including Tommy Hilfiger himself.
Joining him are Ankiti Bose, co-founder and CEO, Zilingo; Noor Tagouri, journalist, activist and speaker; Daniel Grieder, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe; Martijn Hagman, CFO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and COO, Tommy Hilfiger Global and PVH Europe; Willemijn Verloop, founding partner, Social Impact Venture; Steven Serneels, CEO and board member, EVPA; and Katrin Ley, managing director, Fashion for Good.
Two winners will share $167,000 (€150,000), as well as a year-long mentorship with Tommy Hilfiger’s and INSEAD’s global experts and a place in the INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship Program (ISEP). The Fashion Frontier Challenge will also reward the “audience favorite” with €10,000 ($11,000).